Trying to stay positive

Re: Trying to stay positive

• SnarkasaurusRex member

  October 2015 edited October 2015

  I'm in the same boat. I've never had much of a supply; DS lost 20% of his birth weight in 5 days (almost 2 pounds total) because of it. I've tried everything, worked with 3 different lactation consultants, and still nothing. DS is 11.5 weeks. I just went back to work this week, so I am waiting for my supply to just totally dry up. I still nurse him in the evenings and pump 2-3 times per day. My original goal was to EBF for a year, so it kills me that I haven't even been able to feed him for a day on my own. He takes about 20 oz of formula supplement per day, and the other ~10 ounces he gets from me. My goal now is to get him as much breast milk as I can, for as long as I can. If my supply dries up, then that's that. I'm trying to get comfortable with the idea of letting it go, but BFing was my number 1 non-negotiable thing that I wanted for DS, and it's so hard to completely give it up.

  
  

  No advice to give, but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. You've done an excellent job of feeding your LO, even though it didn't go as planned. Stay strong, mama.

  

  

  Report2 Reply
• Loading the player...
• Hopeful715 member

  October 2015

  Don't know you, but sending hugs anyway! There are so many emotions tied up in mothering, especially when things don't go the way we envisioned them. I too have struggled the entire time...had to supplement on day four because they were worried about my LO's weight loss, took me weeks to get my supply established and off of formula, which is a success, but I've had mastitis, thrush, bad latch, and four visits to the lactation consultants. Breastfeeding has been physically painful the entire time. Everyone I know has suggested I give up for my own happiness/comfort. Here is my advice: you've fought this long, if it's important to you, go as long as you like. Breastmilk, even tiny amounts is a benefit. Take it one day at a time, and when you feel you're done, look at the time you pumped as an accomplishment, and feel good about it because you've done a great job.

  Report1 Reply
• randa923 member

  October 2015

  Any amount of breastmilk you can give is helpful. That being said, are you enjoying time with your baby? Or are you constantly worrying about pumping? It's not the end of the world if your baby doesn't get breastmilk. He is being fed and that's the important thing. If taking the time to pump and give him that breastmilk makes you feel good and like it's not taking time away from bonding with him then go for it! If it just seems like a hassle and you don't feel good about it then stop.
  
  I know how difficult the decision can be. O have also struggled for 3 months. But right now it's about enjoying that little guy. He will be healthy and happy without his momma stressing over breastmilk.

  Report2 Reply
• massey25 member

  October 2015

  LO will be 11 weeks tomorrow. I exclusively pump and my supply is starting to dwindle. I'm having a hard time accepting that it may not turn back around, but I'm trying. Hang in there! If you switch completely to formula your LO won't mind. He just wants your love and to be fed. He's not concerned with food source. You need to do whatever works for you. Keep your chin up!

  Report1 Reply
• AziaNick member

  October 2015

  Don't worry at least you Breast pumped for that long!!! My Breast milk didn't have enough calories and enough nutrients to begin with and my supply wasn't very good either. I stopped at 3 weeks. BUT I tried my best and gave her the most important type of milk, the colestrum. So that made the transition better for me

  Report0 Reply
• sams1girl member

  October 2015

  I know how you feel...I've been EP since the beginning and now that I'm back at work, my supply is so low. I was pumping at least 24 oz a day and feeding what I had stashed in the freezer. Now I barely get two oz total per pump. Yesterday I took the last of my stash to gmas for his feedings. LO turns 3 months this week. It really upsets me that it's coming to an end but my husband had been really supportive about it. I'm trying to stretch it out til his appointment next month...I started alternating his feedings last week one feeding bm the next formula so it won't be as much of a shock to him when we switch to strictly formula. I had planned to BF for at least six months..but I guess three is better than nothing....

  Report0 Reply
• massey25 member

  October 2015

  That's a good idea! Anything is better than nothing.. food is food ">

  Report0 Reply
• cattiva8 member

  October 2015

  I'm in the exact same position as you and it is honestly such a relief to know it's not just me! I just had a bad bout of mastitis and I swore I would wean off pumping and be done with it. But now I'm feeling better I'm really struggling with the decision. I hate that pumping takes time away from baby and makes me even more tired but I also see how much she likes breastmilk and I know it's so good for her. I'm thinking I'll wean slowly so that I don't risk mastitis again, and then I might make it to 3 months of pumping. I'd love to go to 6 months but I think im just to emotionally and physically exhausted already. Whatever decision you make is the right one - you need to do what's best for you. Happy mum = happy baby.

  Report2 Reply
• Melis222 member

  October 2015

  In the same boat somewhat, my supply was fine but baby was refusing to feed (reflux, protein allergies) even though I cut dairy/soy out of my diet. I tried her on Nutramigen and so far it's going well. I'm pumping to see if she can handle breastmilk again in a few months but I'm so over the constant pumping. I cried for days about giving up actually breastfeeding her. So know it's the pain in this special diet and pump with no reward of the actual feeding. I'm going to stick it out another week. But the pumping is dwindling my supply.

  Report0 Reply
• v&druston member

  October 2015

  Ladies, thank you so much!! Your comments had me crying big, burning, heartfelt tears for myself and for all of you that are going through the same thing and for your kind & supportive words.  I can sympathize with all the things you said about the tears over not being able to directly breastfeed, the frustration of pumping, the disappointment in my own body for not producing the milk my son needs, everything.  I am now down to just pumping first thing in the morning (still only getting 1/2 oz), but pumping any other times during the day gets even less and that is REALLY discouraging.  So now I pump first thing in the morning and give my LO that little bit immediately.  I don't know that there is much nutritional value in it, but it makes me feel a bit better that he is getting it.  @Melis222, my LO is on Nutramigen too. 

  Again, thank you so much.  I love how supportive this group is for each other without snarky & hurtful comments to each other.  I hope everyone enjoys their day with the LO and gives them an extra hug today, just because!    Stay positive ladies, you certainly have helped me to do it the past few days.  Hugs to you all!!

  Report1 Reply
• wheresilenceismusic member

  October 2015

  Have you tried renting a hospital-grade pump?  I own one of the "best" breast pumps for home use (the medela pump in style advanced) and when I use it, I barely get any milk -- an ounce or so from each side.  But I EBF and my 12-week old baby is huge.  So I don't think pumps always work.  Perhaps a better pump can help you extract your milk / build your supply.

  
  

  Another thing to consider is just letting your baby suckle, even if milk isn't coming out.  This will build your supply.

  
  

  I would continue attempting to feed LO breastmilk as well as supplement.  Breastmilk does contain elements that formula doesn't (namely, enzymes for digestion, beneficial bacteria to colonize LO's intestines, vitamins and minerals not found in milk) and even better, your body tailor-makes antibodies every day to pass on to your baby, depending on what you and your baby have been exposed to.

  
  

  Still, like PPs said, nursing is not the only element of motherhood.  If it's interfering with your relationship with your baby, I would probably stop too.  But if you're considering giving up just because your DH is giving up… I think there is still hope!  

  
  

  Whatever you do, your baby loves you.  Best of luck and keep us updated!!

  Report0 Reply
• bbbee414 member

  October 2015

  Same position! I nurse LO whenever we are together because he prefers that and now so do I and then I don't have to worry about pumping during our time together (I do pump 2-3x at work) and then we supplement with bottles/formula! That has worked for us - I almost threw in the towel but now I'm so glad I did not. Really whatever is best for mama(you) is best for your LO! Feeding with breastmilk or formula as long as their eating

  http://forums.thebump.com/profile/[url=http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers][img]http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d48c6[/img][/url]

  Report0 Reply